Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks can be very dangerous causing serious burn and eye injuries when they are not used with safety in mind. Sheriff Jay Russell would like for you to keep these safety tips in mind when enjoying fireworks for the celebration of Independence Day.

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Parish Ordinance 15-15 Discharge of Fireworks

It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, use, or ignite fireworks between the hours of 10:00p and 8:00a

Any person or persons who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00), or imprisoned for a term in the parish jail not to exceed ten (10) days or both.

Mission Statement

We commit service to and pledge protection for the citizens of Ouachita Parish in order to ensure a greater quality of life for each of us.

We will work diligently to promote a sense of pride in our community for law enforcement by fostering an environment of cooperation and trust within our organization and the community, so that we may bridge the distance between citizens and law enforcement personnel.